Elaine G. Herber

Elaine Herber (“Gail”) passed away peacefully in her own home on January 1, 2025, just after celebrating a joyful Christmas season with her extended family and friends.

Gail was born on August 25, 1942 in the Bronx, NY.  She spent an idyllic childhood in Bayside, NY. Gail earned her LPN certificate at Glen Cove Nursing School. She was an emergency room nurse at Glen Cove Hospital, which she found truly rewarding.

On September 12, 1965, Gail married “Richie,” the boy around the block, whom she started dating when she was just thirteen. Many thought they were too young to be in love, but they knew better and remained devoted until her death. They raised three children in Smithtown, NY while Gail continued to work providing in-home nursing care.

Gail is survived by her husband of 59 years, Richard Herber; her loving children, Dawn Herber and husband Daniel Opinante, Jennifer Herber and husband Robert Plunkett, and Douglas Herber and wife Christine; grandchildren Brittany Opinante and husband Kyle O’Hara, Kelsey Opinante, Riley and Briggs Herber, and Sara, Kate and Elizabeth Plunkett; sister-in-law Carol Thorgersen and many treasured nieces, nephews and godchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Marjorie (née Baker) Christensen and three devoted sisters: Joan Greene, Doris Baffi, and Carole O’Sullivan and brothers-in-law Bill Greene, Joseph Baffi, Kevin O’Sullivan and Stephen Thorgersen.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Branch Funeral Home in Smithtown.  A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Smithtown.  The burial service will be at Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton.

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